Abiy Ahmed war crimes allegations fuel fear across Ethiopia

Allegations of Abiy Ahmed war crimes are deeply troubling for Ethiopia. Multiple human rights organizations report growing political repression, the crushing of the opposition, and widespread mass arrests that silence critics and spread fear.

In regions such as Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray, witnesses describe extrajudicial killings, intimidation, and drone strikes that have caused civilian casualties. This article will outline the timeline of abuses, how dissent is suppressed, who is most at risk, and what independent investigations currently show. We will examine the evidence, the impact on families, and the urgent calls for accountability linked to Abiy Ahmed war crimes.

Overview of Political Landscape Under Abiy Ahmed

The political landscape in Ethiopia drastically changed after Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister in 2018. Abiy promised hope and reform, offering freedom for political prisoners, promoting press freedom, and making peace with Eritrea. At first, Ethiopia seemed to be entering a new era.

However, by 2024, Ethiopia has become intensely divided. Abiy’s government, which was once celebrated, now struggles to maintain control over much of the country. According to Freedom House and other groups, Abiy’s “Prosperity Party” tried to centralize power but faced resistance from powerful regional groups like those in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. Critics argue that Ethiopia remains authoritarian, with real reforms slow and unreliable.

The country’s division deepened, and violence increased. Abiy’s leadership now marks one of the most violent and uncertain periods in Ethiopia’s modern history. The dream of unity has been replaced by bitter conflicts, with political and ethnic groups fighting for autonomy or dominance.

Timeline of Key Conflicts in Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia)

Ethiopia’s recent conflicts can be tracked through several violent and tragic chapters:

• 2018: Abiy Ahmed becomes Prime Minister, promising a new beginning.
• 2020 (November): The Tigray War ignites. Tensions between the federal government and Tigrayan authorities (TPLF) break into open conflict. The war sees massive human rights abuses and drags in neighboring Eritrea.
• 2021: The fighting spreads into the Afar and Amhara regions, creating wider instability. Both government and allied forces are accused of atrocities.
• 2022 (November): A peace agreement signed in Pretoria halts most fighting in Tigray, but not all violence stops.
• 2023 (April): The Amhara region faces a new wave of conflict as the Fano militia groups turn against the federal government. The government announces a state of emergency.
• 2024: Armed conflict continues, particularly in Amhara and Oromia. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) continues its insurgency, causing ongoing clashes, displacement, and civilian deaths. Violence in Amhara remains severe, and local authorities claim that federal forces use excessive force, including drone strikes.

Each year, the crisis shifts location and main actors, but the pain and instability for ordinary Ethiopians continue.

Involvement of Various Actors (ENDF, Eritrean Forces, Amhara Militias, TPLF)

The Ethiopian conflict is complex, with many major actors:

• ENDF (Ethiopian National Defense Forces): The country’s main military, loyal to Abiy Ahmed. ENDF fought against the TPLF in Tigray, and also suppressed armed resistance in Amhara and Oromia.
• Eritrean Forces: Eritrea joined the war early, sending its army into Tigray. Eritrean soldiers were accused of human rights abuses against Tigrayan civilians. They have refused to withdraw from some occupied territories even after ceasefires.
• Amhara Militias: Groups like the Fano militia allied with federal forces against the TPLF but later clashed with the government. Amhara militias are accused of committing atrocities and also resist any federal effort to reduce their autonomy.
• TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front): Once the nation’s dominant political party, now leading the armed resistance in Tigray. The TPLF demands autonomy for Tigray and allegations are made against them for abuses against civilians.

These groups often shift alliance and objectives. The landscape is further complicated by smaller local militias, insurgents in other regions, and the heavy involvement of civilians, many of whom have experienced violence, displacement, and loss. The ongoing conflict leaves Ethiopia in a state of anxiety and fear, with no clear path to national peace.

Allegations of War Crimes and Atrocities

Reports from Human Rights Organizations

Reports from human rights organizations have played a vital role in documenting the ongoing war crimes and atrocities in Ethiopia. In 2024, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW), and the United Nations published strong reports highlighting systematic abuses. According to Amnesty International, there were credible cases involving extrajudicial executions, torture, mass detentions, and attacks on civilians across the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Human Rights Watch’s 2024 World Report calls the situation “precarious,” warning of serious and persistent abuses by government forces, militias, and other armed groups. The United Nations also set up the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia to investigate violations of international law, producing detailed documentation and urging accountability. These organizations described patterns of massacres, sexual violence, starvation tactics, and forced displacement.

Documentation by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations

Amnesty International’s reports include investigations of killings and mass graves in Amhara, as well as widespread sexual violence in Tigray. Human Rights Watch documented evidence of summary executions and deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure. The UN-backed commission highlighted abuses including attacks on humanitarian convoys and widespread ethnic cleansing. Together, their documentation paints a grim but clear picture of war crimes committed by multiple armed parties.

War Crimes in the Tigray Region

Massacres and Extrajudicial Killings

Massacres and extrajudicial killings have become a tragic reality in the Tigray region. Human rights organizations have confirmed multiple massacres, where entire communities were targeted and members executed without trial. Eyewitnesses and survivors report government troops, Eritrean soldiers, and allied militias going village to village, executing civilians thought to be sympathetic to the Tigrayan cause. Mass graves have been uncovered by both HRW and Amnesty International, who believe the actual numbers could be much higher than reported.

Wartime Sexual Violence and Ethnic Cleansing

Wartime sexual violence has reached shocking and systematic levels in Tigray. According to Physicians for Human Rights, HRW, and accounts collected by The Guardian, tens of thousands of Tigrayan women and girls have experienced rape, gang-rape, and the use of foreign objects as weapons by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers. This violence was not random but was often described as an attempt to destroy communities and break their spirit—a classic tactic of ethnic cleansing. Reports document intentional transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and making survivors infertile, adding another layer of horror to these crimes. Amnesty International has called this a pattern of “weaponized rape.”

Looting and Starvation Tactics

Looting and deliberate starvation were used as weapons of war in Tigray. Humanitarian groups report government and allied forces systematically looted crops, livestock, and food depots, leaving civilians with nothing to eat. Roads were blocked to prevent aid deliveries. United Nations investigations, echoed by HRW, say these tactics led to mass hunger affecting millions, and were likely intended to punish and break Tigray’s civilian population.

Genocide Claims Against Tigrayans

Genocide claims against Tigrayans have become a central issue in international discourse. Reports by Al Jazeera and advocacy groups show growing legal and UN-level debate about whether violence in Tigray constitutes genocide. Strong evidence has been put forward by human rights experts: the systematic killing of civilians, use of sexual violence, and efforts to destroy Tigrayan identity could meet the legal definition of genocide. Survivors describe attacks where perpetrators explicitly state they intend to wipe out Tigrayans as a group.

Human Rights Violations in Amhara and Oromia

Recent Massacres (e.g., Birakat in Amhara)

Recent massacres in Amhara and Oromia regions are also well documented. In Amhara, the Birakat massacre and killings in towns like Merawi and Finote Selam are reported by Amnesty International and local human rights groups. Government forces reportedly rounded up and executed civilians suspected of supporting rebel groups. In several cases, drone strikes hit crowded markets and gatherings. These attacks killed dozens of civilians, including children and the elderly. The Oromo Liberation Army was also accused of targeted killings in western Oromia, particularly against ethnic minorities.

Civilian Casualties from Military Operations and Drone Strikes

Civilian casualties from military operations and drone strikes have surged since 2023. The Ethiopian government’s use of Turkish and Iranian drones was responsible for several documented massacres—most shockingly in towns like Finote Selam and Quarit. Witnesses recount drones striking marketplaces at peak hours, causing mass casualties. Reports from The Hill and ECFR underline that drone warfare, once rare in Ethiopia, is now a primary source of civilian deaths. Both government and rebel groups have been accused of reckless disregard for civilian life, with accountability still lacking.

The sheer scale of these abuses, and credible documentation by respected international groups, fuels deep concern for the fate of civilians across Ethiopia. Many fear that, without real action and justice, the cycle of violence will only continue.

Ethiopian Government’s Denial and Public Statements

Ethiopian government’s denial of war crimes and human rights violations has been a consistent pattern since conflict erupted in Tigray and later in Amhara and Oromia. Officials publicly refute many international reports that describe atrocities, calling them exaggerated or politically motivated. They often claim that security forces are only targeting “terrorists” or “insurgents” and not civilians. According to the 2024 US State Department Human Rights Report, government leaders maintain that accounts of unlawful killings and abuses are false or not verified by credible sources. Statements also highlight supposed government efforts to enforce law and order, and stress that investigations are ongoing or will take place when security improves. However, independent organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue that the government’s public responses lack transparency and accountability. Many victims and observers feel ignored, and trust in government statements remains very low.

Transitional Justice Mechanisms and Criticisms

Transitional justice mechanisms in Ethiopia were introduced as part of post-conflict agreements, especially after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022. The government rolled out a national transitional justice policy in April 2024, aiming to examine mass atrocities, repair the harm, and move towards national healing. However, critics point out major flaws. Many civil society groups and victims are concerned that the process is not transparent or inclusive. Reports from Amnesty International and Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect accuse the government of using transitional justice as a distraction, while avoiding real accountability or prosecution of top officials. There is also criticism that some war crimes and abuses are not thoroughly investigated, and some key actors with responsibility are shielded from prosecution. According to Jurist and Verfassungsblog, the Ethiopian policy has done little to bridge mistrust or guarantee justice for the most serious crimes, especially regarding command responsibility. The sense of impunity continues, particularly for those who are victims of sexual violence and ethnic-based killings.

International Investigations and Legal Proceedings

International investigations into Ethiopia’s war crimes and atrocities have faced constant challenges. The United Nations established the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia to investigate violations in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. However, the Ethiopian government has repeatedly blocked access for these investigators and urged the Human Rights Council to end their mandate. Despite strong evidence and documentation—such as the June 2024 Al Jazeera report on possible genocide in Tigray and calls for prosecution at the International Court of Justice—actual legal proceedings have mostly stalled. Human Rights Watch and the US State Department both confirm that international attempts to secure justice for victims have not yet led to charges against any high-ranking officials. Amnesty International continues to call for independent, international investigations, especially after reports of fresh massacres in places like Merawi and widespread civilian deaths. The push for accountability is ongoing, but lack of cooperation from the Ethiopian government remains the biggest hurdle to achieving true justice.

Impact on Civilian Population

Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement

The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia has become one of the most serious in Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes because of conflict, violence, and government restrictions. Civilians have had to leave towns and villages quickly, often without food or belongings. According to recent reports by the United Nations and humanitarian groups, more than 5 million people have been displaced across Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and other regions.

Many have fled to crowded camps or tried to find shelter in schools and abandoned buildings. Health care is very hard to get, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Outbreaks of disease, like cholera and measles, have been reported in the camps due to poor sanitation and lack of clean water. Access to food is also a big problem: aid agencies warn that, without help, large parts of Ethiopia could see famine-like conditions as families struggle to survive.

Societal Trauma and Sexual Violence Survivors

Widespread trauma affects Ethiopian society, especially among women and girls. Sexual violence has become a weapon of war in the conflict zones, with thousands of cases documented by organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Women and girls have described horrifying acts of rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery by armed groups. Survivors often face stigma and have little access to healthcare or counseling.

The trauma goes beyond the victims themselves. Families and entire communities are suffering from the psychological damage of violence, displacement, and constant fear. Many children are showing signs of severe emotional distress, which will likely impact their lives for years to come.

Blocking and Manipulation of Aid

Blocking and manipulation of aid has made the crisis even worse. Both the Ethiopian government and armed groups have reportedly delayed or restricted access to humanitarian aid, especially in Tigray and Amhara. At times, aid convoys have been stopped, and supplies like food and medicine have been confiscated. The United Nations and major NGOs say that these actions put millions of lives at risk. Sometimes, aid is used as a political tool, only reaching those who are considered loyal to certain groups or authorities.

Because of these restrictions, hunger and malnutrition are rising among children, and diseases are spreading faster. Aid workers have also faced harassment, violence, and even detention, making their work even more dangerous and difficult.

Mistreatment of Prisoners and Detainees

Mistreatment of prisoners and detainees is a major human rights concern in Ethiopia’s conflicts. Thousands of people, including suspected opposition supporters, ethnic minorities, and journalists, have been arrested without charge or trial. Human rights groups warn that many are held in overcrowded, unsanitary prisons where they face torture, beatings, and sexual abuse. Detainees have often been denied contact with families or lawyers.

There are also reports of extrajudicial executions and forced disappearances. In some cases, families never learn what happened to their loved ones. This has created a climate of fear and mistrust throughout the country, further deepening Ethiopia’s humanitarian crisis.

Political Repression and Suppression of Dissent

Dismantling Political Opposition

Dismantling political opposition in Ethiopia has become one of the main methods used by the government to stay in power. Abiy Ahmed’s administration promised democratic reforms after coming to power, but many opposition parties quickly found themselves excluded or targeted. Authorities have banned or restricted major opposition groups, especially those representing ethnic and regional interests. Some opposition leaders have been placed under house arrest or forced into exile. The 2021 election saw several major opposition parties boycotting or barred from participating entirely. Small protests are often dispersed immediately, with security forces showing little tolerance for dissent.

Mass Arrests and Intimidation of Rivals

Mass arrests and intimidation of rivals are now widespread tools for stifling dissent in Ethiopia. Since 2020, thousands of political activists, journalists, and suspected opposition supporters have been detained across the country, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Many are held without formal charges for months, sometimes in harsh conditions. There are increasing reports of torture and abuse in detention. Families often do not know where their relatives are being held. The fear of arrest or reprisal has had a chilling effect; even peaceful critics are often too afraid to speak up, post online, or assemble.

Media Censorship and Silencing Independent Voices

Media censorship and silencing of independent voices have also intensified in Ethiopia. Journalists who investigate sensitive topics, such as** ethnic violence, human rights abuses, or government corruption**, are frequently harassed or detained. Internet blackouts and social media restrictions are often used during outbreaks of violence or political tension, making it hard for people to share information. Independent newspapers and broadcasters have been shut down or forced to self-censor to avoid closure. The government’s Ethiopia Media Authority has revoked licenses and issued warnings to both local and foreign outlets. These actions have created a climate of fear and severely undermined the possibility of open debate, making it dangerous for both citizens and the media to criticize those in power.

Positions Held by the United States and Western Governments

The United States and many Western governments have taken a strong stance regarding the Ethiopia conflicts, especially concerning war crimes in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. The US State Department has repeatedly stated that all sides in the conflict, including the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Eritrean forces, and Amhara militias, have committed major abuses such as murder and rape. In March 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially recognized that war crimes and crimes against humanity had taken place in Ethiopia. These findings have been echoed by reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and the US government’s annual human rights review.

Sanctions have been a significant tool. The US government introduced targeted sanctions against Ethiopian and Eritrean officials, aiming to pressure the parties into stopping atrocities and allowing humanitarian aid. The European Union has also taken similar steps, suspending budget support and development aid in response to human rights violations. Despite these measures, Western governments have faced criticism for being slow and sometimes inconsistent in their response, especially as violence persisted and peace efforts staggered.

Western governments have joined calls for independent international investigations and accountability. Many have demanded full humanitarian access and an end to blockades that harmed civilians. However, diplomatic engagement has had mixed success, often running up against Ethiopia’s insistence on its sovereignty and resistance to external pressure.

African Union and Regional Body Responses

The African Union (AU) has played a prominent diplomatic role, most notably by mediating the November 2022 peace accord between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This resulted in a formal cessation of hostilities that paused large-scale fighting in Tigray. However, many human rights advocates argue the AU was too slow to act and too soft in holding perpetrators of violence to account.

Critics say the African Union’s approach prioritized political stability and national sovereignty over justice for victims. The organization generally relies on quiet diplomacy, which often means that abuses are condemned in vague terms and few measures are taken against responsible parties. While the AU has promoted peace talks and dialogue, it has not pushed for strong accountability mechanisms. Regional bodies have mostly echoed the AU, focusing on supporting Ethiopia’s unity and stability rather than publicly confronting war crimes allegations.

Some African civil society groups and independent experts have urged the African Union to take a firmer stance, highlighting the risk that silence could encourage further atrocities and instability across the region. Yet, so far, the AU has struggled to balance peace efforts with justice demands.

Role of International Criminal Justice

International criminal justice faces tough challenges in Ethiopia’s case. Ethiopia is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), meaning the ICC cannot automatically investigate or prosecute crimes unless the UN Security Council refers the case. Despite mounting reports of atrocities that may meet the criteria for war crimes or crimes against humanity, there is no ongoing ICC investigation directly targeting Ethiopian actors.

Multiple human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have called for international accountability. They propose either a Security Council referral to the ICC or the establishment of a special international tribunal to address war crimes committed since 2020. So far, neither step has gained enough global support for action.

International mechanisms have been limited to fact-finding missions, such as the United Nations’ International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia. These bodies have documented patterns of war crimes and atrocities but lack enforcement powers. Many victims and observers remain concerned: without international prosecution or serious threats of it, accountability for those responsible remains distant.

Sanctions, Peace Efforts, and Humanitarian Appeals

Sanctions by the US and European nations have aimed to press Ethiopia to stop abuses and move towards peace. The US Treasury, for example, targeted key Ethiopian and Eritrean officials with travel bans, asset freezes, and other sanctions through executive orders. The United Nations has condemned violence and called for protection of civilians, but has stopped short of imposing broad sanctions due to resistance from some Security Council members.

Peace efforts have mainly been led by the African Union, supported by the UN, US, and EU. The November 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement was a breakthrough in Tigray, but fresh fighting in Amhara and Oromia shows that violence is far from over. Aid groups and UN agencies continue to sound the alarm about famine, mass displacement, and widespread trauma.

Humanitarian appeals have increased. The UN and major aid organizations have called for unfettered access to conflict areas, warning of the risk of famine, disease, and ongoing rights abuses. Aid has sometimes been held up by bureaucratic hurdles and continued fighting, putting millions at risk. Western donors, while pledging support, often tie aid to conditions on human rights, which frustrates the Ethiopian government.

Overall, the international community’s response is marked by concern, strong language, targeted sanctions, and repeated pleas for peace and accountability. But with continuing violence and little accountability for atrocities so far, many Ethiopians fear that justice and lasting peace remain elusive.

Continuing Violence Despite Peace Agreements

Continuing violence in Ethiopia remains a serious risk, even after recent peace agreements such as the 2022 Pretoria Agreement aimed to end the conflict in Tigray. Reports from credible organizations like ACLED, Human Rights Watch, and the UN all show that violence has not stopped. There were more than 200 political violence events and hundreds of fatalities recorded in late 2024. In the Tigray region, abuses such as rape, sexual violence, and even extrajudicial killings have continued, often involving both local and foreign forces. In Amhara and Oromia, clashes between government troops and regional militias still lead to civilian deaths and fresh displacements.

Continuing violence is not limited to combat zones. Civilians suffer from attacks on their villages, abductions, and property destruction. According to recent updates, even after signing peace deals, fighting in Oromia and Amhara regions flared up with new offensives and rebel activity in 2025. Many people are scared that peace agreements are only paper promises, as actual peace is rarely seen in daily life. International observers highlight that deep-rooted mistrust and unresolved grievances, along with a lack of inclusive negotiations, mean that Ethiopia’s path to true peace is still full of danger.

Escalation of Ethnic Tensions

Escalation of ethnic tensions is another ongoing risk across Ethiopia. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, many reports warn that the conflict’s effects have spread far beyond the Tigray region. Rivalries between the government, local factions, and militias—many with ethnic identities—have fueled new violence. Tensions between Amhara and Oromo communities, as well as between Tigrayans and their neighbors, have led to repeated outbreaks of fighting. The ACLED and Crisis Group reports show that not only have old tensions resurfaced, but new local conflicts—especially in Gambella and other diverse regions—are also intensifying.

Ethnic polarization is not just a political issue, it shapes daily life. People in affected areas live in fear of attacks for their identity alone. Inflammatory rhetoric from politicians and the media make things worse. Hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, too, have reignited old fears of wider regional war. International analysts warn that unless underlying ethnic grievances, issues of justice, and power sharing are addressed, violence could explode again—pulling in more groups and erasing fragile progress.

Long-Term Implications for Stability

Long-term implications for stability in Ethiopia are deeply worrying. The current pattern of violence and ethnic tension has undone years of political and economic reforms. Experts from the Carnegie Endowment and the Atlantic Council point out that, as conflicts drag on, Ethiopia faces obstacles to achieving true stability, peace, and democratic growth. Millions have already been displaced; food insecurity, unemployment, and social trauma affect generations.

Continued instability makes investors and aid donors hesitate, slowing development and public services. If Ethiopia cannot build an inclusive, fair political system with respect for rights and justice, the nation risks repeating cycles of violence and crisis. This would not only impact Ethiopian people but also the broader Horn of Africa, which depends on Ethiopia’s stability. International partners warn that, without immediate action on peace, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust among communities, the hopes for a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia will remain out of reach. The fear and uncertainty many Ethiopians face today may persist for many years, harming the nation’s future.